Singing Out Strong

We’ve recently added more groups to the County of Song community singing map that show the breadth of singing for health activity in Lancashire. These include different options for taking part such as online sessions to increase accessibility.

Sing Out Strong has a focus on creating a supportive environment for people who are isolated or facing health challenges. They run the following sessions:

Garstang - every Monday afternoon - Session 1 from 13.30 - 14.45: Session 2 from 15.00 - 16.15

Hambleton - every Tuesday afternoon from 14.00 - 15.15

Zoom online session - every Tuesday morning from 10.45 - 11.45

You can contact group leader Ann Cameron for more information on ann.cameron@mac.com . She says about the groups:

“In the face to face sessions we have a 15 minute break during which attendees can have tea or coffee and biscuits and the opportunity to circulate and chat with other singers. We also take a break for around 10 minutes or so and invite attendees to tell us about the week just gone or their plans for the following week but they have to provide their own drinks and biscuits!

We welcome people of all ages irrespective of their singing ability, musical knowledge or previous experience. The initiative was initially targeted at people who were feeling socially isolated or were suffering from health issues such as COPD, mobility problems etc. but, unless they volunteer information about their medical conditions, we never ask or discuss this topic with them. We cover a wide range of songs, mainly from the 50s onwards, folk songs, songs from the shows and more, all with words projected on a screen and backing tracks (with singers) embedded in the slides. So no need for books which could be a problem for people with arthritic hands. We charge £2 per session and the attendees only pay for those sessions they attend and long-term commitment is not required - we know that they may have to attend hospital appointments, have friends or family coming to visit or a workman coming to carry out a repair job, for example.”

The brain injury association Headway runs a brain injury survivors choir, for people with brain injuries and their families in Preston. It meets at 1PM on the first Tuesday of each month at the Salvation Army, Harrington Street, Preston, PR1 7BN. You can contact services@headwaycentrallancashire.org.uk for more information. They emphasise the role that singing can play in supporting recovery and well-being, including improving memory and concentration, developing speech and communication skills and building confidence and social connection.

Despite recent rain, the Encore Singers from Poulton will be warming your hearts with that summer feeling at their concert on June 30^th at 7:30 PM at Poulton Methodist Church, Queensway, Poulton le Fylde FY6 7ST. This will be a significant one for the group as their Musical Director kath Vaquer is retiring and it is her final concert. Tickets £5, for booking enquiries contact encoresingers2014@gmail.com .